A Canadian passenger in their 70s [1] has tested presumptively positive for the Andes strain of hantavirus after returning from a cruise [1, 2].
The case marks a rare instance of the virus appearing in Canada following a cruise ship outbreak, prompting strict isolation protocols for multiple travelers to prevent community spread.
The patient, who is from Yukon, is currently hospitalized in British Columbia in stable condition [1, 2]. Health officials are awaiting confirmatory laboratory results to finalize the diagnosis [3]. The exposure occurred on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which was docked in Tenerife, Spain, during the outbreak [4].
Four Canadians [4] who traveled on the ship are currently in isolation in British Columbia [1]. Dr. Bonnie Henry said that at no point during the arrival or transfer did any of the four Canadians come in contact with the public [3].
Public health officials have implemented a rigorous monitoring window for those exposed. While the minimum isolation period for such cases is 21 days [4], the four Canadians will be monitored for a total of 42 days [5].
Officials addressed the situation during a press conference on May 11 [2, 5]. During the briefing, a BC health official said, "There is no additional risk to the public" [1]. Another health official said the patient is stable while the medical team awaits the final lab confirmation [3].
The Andes hantavirus is typically associated with contact with infected rodents. The presence of the virus on a cruise ship has led to multiple cases among passengers, though officials maintain that the risk remains contained to those specifically exposed on the vessel [1, 2].
“"There is no additional risk to the public."”
The use of a 42-day monitoring period, double the standard 21-day isolation, suggests a cautious approach by Canadian health authorities to account for the specific incubation period of the Andes strain. Because hantaviruses are typically zoonotic and not transmitted between humans, the primary concern for officials is confirming the source of infection and ensuring no other undetected exposures occurred during the ship's docking in Spain.
